Gambit Pets: Summer 2019

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Local nonprofit helps every dog have its day

BY SUZANNE PFEFFERLE TAFUR

P H OTO B Y J E A N E T T E A LT H A N S /C O U R T E S Y OF THE INNER PUP

The Inner Pup runs medical and education programs that benefit pups and their humans.

lion companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized.

The Goldrings try to keep animals out of shelters altogether by spreading awareness about responsible pet ownership. They began by visiting low-income sections of the city where rates of animal abuse and neglect are highest, and teaching residents how to treat animals with kindness.

Since launching The Inner Pup in 2014, the Goldrings and their team of volunteers, veterinarians and teachers have rolled out programs that educate and engage the local community, and ultimately protect animals’ health and well-being.

The Inner Pup runs monthly popup heartworm prevention clinics and offers low-cost heartworm and flea-and-tick pet care. People who cannot afford regular veterinary care for dogs that already have

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GENIE GOLDRING SAYS SHE HAS A “LONG-TIME LOVE OF DOGS,” and her daughter Lindsay Goldring has a background in dog training and animal rescue. Together, they make a great team to address the local animal welfare epidemic that stems from overpopulation, neglect and abuse.

Through their nonprofit organization, The Inner Pup (www.theinnerpup.org), the mother-daughter duo is tackling animal welfare problems by working to prevent them.

“We didn’t feel that the animal welfare situation in New Orleans was manageable,” Genie says.

“Once the animals were in a shelter, dogs particularly, their fate was out of our control.” There were no services the women could provide to the animals already committed to a kennel.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), nearly 6.5 mil-

contracted heartworms can enroll their pups in a heartworm treatment study.

Heartworm disease can be fatal.

According to The Inner Pup, 80 percent (nearly 160,000) of shelter and stray dogs in New Orleans are heartworm-positive.

This year alone, they have administered 1,515 months of heartworm prevention medicine to more than 380 dogs, and 444 months of flea prevention medicine. Twelve pups have completed the treatment study and no longer have heartworms.

“We started a heartworm treatment study because our hearts ached for the dogs that we found in the clinics that were heartworm positive, whose owners had no option for heartworm treatment because of the cost of it,” Genie says.

The nonprofit organization also operates a two-week education program in New Orleans charter schools that teaches children benevolence for animals and companionship with dogs through training. Through the program, the kids begin to realize “that dogs have feelings,” and they question how people treat their pets, Lindsay says.

“A lot of the kids don’t quite understand that pets are our family,” she says. “They don’t relate to them, or they’re scared of them. By the end of the two-week program, you see a transformation of these children. They are just yearning for connection and we bring that to them.”

The Inner Pup also created a free handbook for animal welfare agencies interested in creating similar wellness programs. They have partnered with Banfield Pet Hospital, a large-scale veterinary health foundation, along with local SPCAs, vet clinics and the Villalobos Rescue Center.

Partners outside of the state — and even the country — have expressed interest in The Inner Pup’s programs.

“Both of our programs are prevention-based programs” that help pet owners understand and manage the responsibilities of caring for their pets, Lindsay says. “Our community clinics bring equality to vet care and help pet owners in financial need keep their furry family members for life, as well as alleviate unnecessary suffering due to heartworm disease.

“Our education program … unlock[s] compassion, empathy, trust and respect for the next generation of New Orleans, both with their pets and with each other.”

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G A M B I T ’ S PETS • S U M M E R 2 0 1 9

1. Babybird as seen on the cover, photo by Presley Keller.

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2. The pug with the watermelon is named Laverne Marie. Owner is Deana Palmisano Lejarza. Photo by Dody & Cole Piper.

3. Claude is getting his frozen yogurt fix!

Owner is Hether Pierce-Smiroldo. Photo

by Chris Smiroldo.

4. Dog in the pool is Cooper.

Owner is Meagan Piazza.

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5. The black pug is named Charlie Gennusa. Owner is Jodi Gennusa.

6. The cat is Snoop-Cat. Owner is Dianna Mall.

This is especially important in the beginning, as it reduces feelings of competition or aggression. Ingram says that after this warming-up period, it may be fine to feed them in the same room, “but make sure they have plenty of space.”

Spay or neuter the animals

Luke says spaying and neutering pets — aside from preventing pregnancy — prevents several illnesses pertaining to reproductive organs.

It also can mellow pets’ potentially aggressive behaviors.

Supervise the animals together, and give them alone time

IF YOU’RE AN ANIMAL ENTHUSIAST LOOKING TO ADOPT ANOTHER FURRY FRIEND, consider the following pointers to help your newest family member acclimate to its new environment.

Dish out extra treats, love and attention to the current pet (especially if it’s a dog) before introducing a new animal. Jenny Luke, veterinarian at Canal Street Veterinary Hospital (4022 Canal St., 504-2002784; www.canalstreetvet.com), calls this “positive reinforcement” and says your canine companion will associate these gestures with a good experience.

Meet on neutral ground

Michelle Ingram, director of Zeus’ Rescues (2520 Napoleon Ave., 504-309-2144; www.zeusrescues. org) and owner of Zeus’ Place

Get moving

The introduction process for dogs is “much easier if they’re well-exercised and socialized,” Ingram says.

Walking them together can foster a strong bond and let them know that they won’t need to compete for attention.

When cats are involved, consider pheromones

Luke recommends using a spray or plug-in, such as Feliway, which contains calming pheromones. It can “set the mood” and create a more relaxing environment, she says. Jessica Hartnett, a board

Research the drive to prey

In households with smaller, more vulnerable animals like rabbits, rodents or birds, get an idea of the newcomer’s prey drive. “Always ask the shelter staff if they know this about the animal,” Hartnett says.

For dogs, she recommends using a basket muzzle (after conditioning the dog to it) so the dog “can’t use its mouth while you teach them how to act around the other pet.”

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Be patient

Adding a new pet to your family is an experience that takes getting used to. “Go slow and don’t force it,” Hartnett says. Many adoption agencies offer a trial period, but even then, it still may take extra time and patience as pets acclimate to their new homes and each other.

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G A M B I T ’ S PETS • S U M M E R 2 0 1 9

Show some extra TLC to the existing pet(s)

(4601 Freret St., 504-304-4718; www.zeusplace.com), recommends that dogs meet for the first time in neutral territories outside the home. Be prepared for one to express dominance. “Usually, dogs are good at figuring out a social hierarchy,” she says.

It may take a while for pets to warm up to each other — especially in a cat-dog dynamic. “Dogs are quicker to socialize and accept one another,” Hartnett says. It helps if they spend short, supervised increments of time together, and then are separated. This lets them “build up a tolerance for each other and get to know each other without any sort of escalation of energy or aggravation,” she says.

I AL

Separate pets during feeding time

O RIG

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BY SARAH RAVITS

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Nine tips for introducing new pets to the home

member of Animal Rescue New Orleans (271 Plauche St., Harahan, 504-571-1900; www.animalrescueneworleans.org), who handles behavioral issues and adoptions, says it’s important to get the pets acquainted with each other’s scents. If you’re bringing a dog into a cat home, place a blanket with the dog’s scent in the cat’s space, so the feline can become accustomed to the smell and won’t be taken completely by surprise once they meet face-to-face.

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Managing your furry escape artist

Tips to keep pets in the yard

BY KATHERINE M. JOHNSON

IT’S A TERRIBLE FEELING. You leave Fido or Fifi alone in the yard for five minutes and when you return, your pet is nowhere to be found. As terrible as it makes pet owners feel, Johanna Ecke, a veterinarian at Magazine Street Animal Clinic, says it’s also important to understand how your pet feels, and to get to the bottom of why your furbutt decided to escape in the first place.

Understanding why they escape

Consult a veterinarian or animal behavior consultant and consider medicines or supplements for your furbutt — whatever it takes to improve his quality of life.

“Unmanaged, untreated anxiety will get progressively worse with age,” she says.

She’s a big fan of positive reinforcement and filling an animal’s day with lots of sensory enrichment to help it use up its energy in constructive ways, like filling up a hollow dog toy with peanut butter or canned food. The pup burns time and energy trying to remove the treat from the toy. This may even help distract an anxious dog.

Deterring the escape Ecke explains a few ways pet owners can modify their yards to minimize a pet’s opportunities to escape. She offers advice based on the type of escape plan each pet uses.

Diggers

If your dog is digging holes in the yard, observe whether it’s aimless digging or if he targets a specific spot along the fence. If it’s aimless digging, the pup is probably bored.

If the digging is targeted, Fido is probably looking for a way out.

“Even if you secure one spot, they might just go to another spot,” Ecke says. “Believing they can get through (the fence) motivates them, and if they got through that spot before, they will likely attempt it again.”

Ecke recommends a wooden fence (especially one built atop a concrete retaining wall) rather than a chain-link fence, because it limits the animal’s view of what’s going on outside the yard and minimizes stimulation. If there’s space between the bottom of the fence and the ground, block it by landscaping along the fence or stacking stone pavers along its perimeter. Having plants on the perimeter also can provide environmental stimulation for the animal, which may help dissuade it from trying to escape.

She does not recommend burying chicken wire or hardware cloth around the fence because a digging animal will lacerate its paws on the metal mesh.

Dogs that live in raised homes (common in New Orleans) also may crawl or dig under the house and exit through the front yard. If your home is on a raised foundation, enclosing it in latticework is a must.

Jumpers

A 6- to 8-foot-tall fence is best. Pet owners also can install an L-shaped wooden joint at the top of the fence (to create a sort of awning) to make it more difficult for dogs to escape.

There also are rolling bars you can install along the top of the fence, which dissuades climbers too, but Ecke says those work better for cats.

Chewers These are one of the most complicated escape artists to manage, Ecke says.

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G A M B I T ’ S PETS • S U M M E R 2 0 1 9

A pet’s desire to escape from its home or yard isn’t necessarily related to the animal’s happiness or comfort. It can be anxiety-based, or due to boredom or some external stimuli that the animal just can’t resist. Some animals are prey-driven (squirrel!), while others want to escape just because they’re being prevented from doing so.

Ecke says it’s more common than not for a pet to have some form of anxiety. Some behaviors that indicate anxiety are pacing, compulsive sniffing, trembling and whining.

That anxiety can have a few different sources. Separation and isolation anxiety can happen when the pet is left alone, but it can start before that, when the pet realizes that its owner is about to leave the house. Ecke says this especially affects dogs because they’re social animals that “get extremely bonded to their families and to their owners.”

Also, there’s storm anxiety and

anxiety related to other loud sounds, such as fireworks. Ecke says the Fourth of July holiday is the worst day of the year for dogs showing up unattended in veterinary ERs or animal shelters.

“They’re trying to run away from the (frightening sound) … to find a safe place to hide [or] to get away from that fear-inducing thing,” she says. “I’ve seen dogs that have jumped through their owners’ window. … You have to know your dog and how bad is their fear response.”

Escapes motivated by boredom are just as dangerous.

“If you put your dog in the yard with nothing to do, they might start digging holes to try to entertain themselves,” Ecke says. “They might hunt lizards. Or they might try to escape.”

You can spend a fortune on toys that offer environmental and mental stimulation, like treat- or kibbledispensing gadgets, “but it’s always so much more enriching if you’re with them,” she says. It’s not very common that pets will play with toys by themselves, even if you rotate the selection of toys to keep things fresh. (Ecke says this tactic is more successful with cats than with dogs.)

Generally, Ecke advises owners not to leave animals unattended for long stretches of time. Even the most well-appointed home or yard probably isn’t a match for a pet that’s on a mission to escape.

If your pet is prone to anxiety or has tried to escape before, it’s crucial to set up a management plan.

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“I think they’re more likely to hurt themselves,” she says.

“They will chew on crates, through doors and fences — they can get foreign bodies under their teeth and in their hard palate and require all sorts of laceration repairs.

(Dogs) will get in this mental state where they will do things to themselves that are extremely painful and that will compromise their health, but it’s (as though) they’re not aware of what they’re doing because that fearful behavior or that motivation is so strong. … Anything you put up, they’re going to chew.”

Owners must be careful of the type of fencing used to pen chewers. Ecke says she’s seen some fencing made of solid or perforated metal; however, the panels will get really hot in the sun and can cause burns. Wooden fencing is still the best option.

If stimulation, supervision and a thorough management plan isn’t enough to calm your chewer, Ecke recommends using positive reinforcement to acclimate the pet to a basket muzzle, which will protect the animal’s mouth and teeth.

What to do when they get out

There are a few devices out there that use technology to help you monitor or track your pet, and that can help bring your pet home if he does mastermind an escape. Ecke weighs in on a few.

BlanketID Tag (www.blanketid.com) The BlanketID tag assigns your pet a number in its database that contains your personal contact information.

PRO: It provides identification and contact information for a missing pet.

CON: It’s not a permanent ID, and it doesn’t have GPS or any other tracking technology. If the person who intercepts your pet doesn’t contact the BlanketID company to get your info, the tag isn’t helpful.

Pawscout Tag (www.pawscout.com) The Pawscout tag is Bluetoothenabled, so it functions as an electronic “leash” via a phone app. It can be attached to your pet’s existing collar, and if your pet gets out, the tag will ping other app users, alerting a virtual recovery network that your furbutt is on the move.

PRO: Bluetooth connectivity offers tracking capability.

CON: The range of Bluetooth is limited to about 300 feet, so once the animal has left the perimeter, it’s harder to find.

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Link Smart Collar by American Kennel Club (www.shop.linkakc.com) The Link collar is GPS- and Bluetooth-enabled, and monitors many environmental factors, such as the ambient temperature of the pet’s current location. It also can track activity, record video and has a light that you can activate via an app.

GPS tracking does require a monthly service contract (through your cellphone provider).

PRO: This collar does it all.

CON: Because of all its functions, battery life can be an issue, and the pet’s location doesn’t update continually, so it can be difficult to track in real time.

Whistle GPS tracker (www.whistle.com) The Whistle tracker uses both GPS and cellular data to locate your pet. It can be attached to the animal’s collar.

PRO: Because of its pared-down functions (no lights, video capability or temperature sensors), the battery can last up to five days between charges.

CON: The device only can store up to 24 hours of data on your pet’s movements.

G A M B I T ’ S PETS • S U M M E R 2 0 1 9

Despite all your efforts, pets may still find a way to Houdini themselves out of the yard.

Ecke says there are two things every pet owner should do to increase your animal’s chances of returning home: Every animal should be microchipped and wearing a collar with a tag that includes at least the pet’s name and the owner’s phone number.

“People are way more likely to pick up a dog with a collar and a tag on it,” Ecke says.

When your pet returns, it’s not a “teachable moment.”

“Any scolding or any other aversive measure is almost … a cruelty,” she says. “You want them to want to return to you. … Dogs are not wired to understand any punishment after an event if it’s at all remote from that event. We want to … reinforce good behavior and almost ignore bad ones.”

Try using the animal’s return as a time to do a mini-training session — practicing commands like sit and stay will “get them back into training mode,” and lessen the pet’s excitement, she says.

Pet tech

13

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Tips for traveling or evacuating with a pet

BY KANDACE POWER GRAVES SOME PEOPLE TAKE THEIR PETS WITH THEM EVERYWHERE: their favorite bar, a parade, to work or wherever else the day requires them to go. Others seldom travel with pets except on vacation or when the family evacuates to escape a hurricane. Regardless of how accustomed to travel your pet might be, here are some tips every pet owner should follow to keep their pets safe and comfortable and their travel as uncomplicated as possible.

• When gathering supplies for an evacuation, make sure you have at least five days’ worth of medicine, food and water for your pet — and bowls to serve them in. Store food in an airtight and waterproof container. Offer your pet water every time you stop, but don’t feed them in the car as it can cause motion sickness.

• Choose a pet carrier that is well-ventilated and large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably.

Get the pet accustomed to the carrier before you hit the road. Make sure the crate is labeled with your name, address, phone number and the location where you’re traveling.

• Keep things clean. Litter and a litter box are essentials for cats; dogs can use newspapers or a pee pad for toileting. Other items you’ll need include towels, trash bags and cleaners.

• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar or harness with its rabies tags attached. You also can get a tag that details your pet’s name, your home address and cellphone number.

• Put your pet’s records in a waterproof container. Include microchip information, veteri-

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nary office information, adoption papers, immunization and medical records. (You also can take photos of these documents and save them on your phone.) If you are traveling to another state, make sure you know what documents that state requires, such as an official health certificate. EU Pet Passports are available for pets traveling in Europe.

• Pack your pet’s favorite blanket or toy (or put a T-shirt with your scent on it in its carrier). It may bring them comfort during a long trip.

• Before the trip, acclimate your pet to car travel, starting with short trips to a park or elsewhere (not the vet), so they form a positive association with being in the car. Don’t allow them to roam freely in the car, which is dangerous for the animal and can cause distractions for the driver. If you don’t use a pet carrier, invest in a pet car seat or seat belt leash that will keep the animal restrained in the back seat.

• Drivers should not allow a pet to sit on their lap while driving as the animal could get squished between you and the steering wheel if you have to stop suddenly. It also could jump to the floorboard and interfere with proper brake and

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gas pedal operation. A pet also shouldn’t be allowed to hang its head out the window as it could get whacked by a passing vehicle or tree branch.

• Never leave your animal in a parked car with the air conditioning off. The temperature inside the car can rise to lethal levels in a matter of minutes.

• If you are traveling on a plane, pets under 20 pounds generally are allowed to travel in the main cabin.

These spaces are limited, however, so check with the airline to reserve one ahead of time. You may have to put your pet in a designated area for certain times of the flight, but never put your pet in the overhead bin.

• You can help alleviate pressure buildup in your pet’s ears during takeoff by giving it some water — swallowing helps equalize the pressure.

• We do not recommend you allow your animal to be placed in the cargo hold.

• Orleans Parish residents who are registered to participate in the city-assisted evacuation plan are allowed to take their pets. Register by calling 311 or visit www.nola.gov/ ready for more information.

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Metairie Small Animal Hospital 101 Metairie Road Metairie, LA 70005

504-835-4266

24/7 Emergency at our main hospital Accidents, injuries and illnesses never take into account time of day. While some situations can wait until the next morning or business day, others require immediate attention. This is why we offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Kenner Clinic

Lakeview Clinic

West Esplanade Clinic

4041 Williams Blvd.

734 Robert E. Lee Blvd.

5040 West Esplanade Avenue

Kenner, LA 70065

New Orleans, LA 70124

Metairie, LA 70006

504-443-4400

504-830-4080

504-455-2345

Freret Street Clinic

Marigny Clinic

4525 Freret Street

1009 Elysian Fields Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70115

New Orleans, LA 70117

504-830-4095

504-372-2950